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ECC, SMA performers combine music and motion

Indoor performance groups from Elk County Catholic and St. Marys Area high schools turned in impressive performances during the culmination of their seasons at the Atlantic Coast Championships recently held in Wildwood, N.J.Each SMA group finished in the top 10 of their class, with the dance team bringing home top honors and a championship banner for the eighth time in nine years. The colorguard placed eighth out of 13 units, while the drumline placed ninth out of 21 units. The ECC drumline brought home a fourth-place finish out of 15 teams, while the colorguard tied for 11th place out of 24 teams.Performing a hip-hop routine entitled "In Da' Stands: a football crowd," the SMA dance team captured the championship title in the Scholastic Open Division, which is the next to highest category established by the Tournament Indoor Association (TIA). Units in this group have a greater experience level.The 22-member ECC Indoor Drumline achieved their highest score of the season, an 85.1, during their final performance in Wildwood. This score landed them an overall fourth-place finish.According to director Richard Swackhammer, this year's members chose the "Junkanoo" theme because it lent itself well the Caribbean style of the music they chose to accompany it. The SMAHS Indoor Colorguard brought the outdoors inside during this year's show, entitled "Winter" and set to the music "Wintersong" by Sara Bareilles."The theme goes with our music choice," explained director Ann Defilippi. "The staff really just sat down and listened to a ton of songs and finally chose one that we liked and felt would work best with our students."Work well it did, as the colorguard captured four first-place honors, two second places and one third-place finish during this season. Before heading to Wildwood, the guard captured the Chapter XI Championship in the Scholastic A division in which they compete. Performing to Broadway's "One Normal Night - The Addams Family," the ECC colorguard kept crowds entertained throughout the season with their fast-paced, energetic show."We wanted a catchy and fun theme," explained director Lori Schreiber.